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Frontier scrapping Atlanta nonstop Sept. 4

When Frontier started the Memphis-Atlanta flight April 14, it was hailed as important competition for a route monopolized by higher-priced Delta Air Lines. But travelers have failed to fill the three-times-per-week flights.

Frontier scrapping Atlanta nonstop Sept. 4

Frontier will scrap its Memphis-Atlanta flights Sept. 4, but add another Denver flight. In this Feb. 22, 2010 file photo, Frontier Airlines jetliners sit stacked up at gates along the A concourse at Denver International Airport.(Photo: AP)

Cheap airfares to Atlanta will prove shortlived as Frontier Airlines grounds the flight Sept. 4 after five months.

But the Denver-based carrier will add more frequencies to its flight from Memphis to Denver, going to seven days a week Aug. 12.

Memphis International Airport officials said Memphis is one of 12 cities losing Atlanta service by Frontier due to low passenger demand.

When Frontier started the Memphis-Atlanta flight April 14, it was hailed as important competition for a route monopolized by higher-priced Delta Air Lines. Frontier offered regular one way fares of $59, compared to a previous Delta average of $243.

“We are disappointed to lose a route that added competition to one of our most popular destinations,” said Scott Brockman, president and chief executive officer of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.

Brockman added, “A primary goal of our air service recruitment is to provide options for our passengers. While these three weekly flights apparently did not create enough demand, we remain steadfast in our relentless pursuit of frequent and affordable air service. We will continue to work to add destinations and frequencies.”

Airport officials said the Denver flight has historically been popular, with occupancy as high as 89 percent. The flight has been offered four days a week.

Brockman said, “The positive development in these service changes is the return to daily service of one of our most popular flights, Frontier’s MEM-DEN service. These flights are routinely full, and this should be welcome news to westbound passengers.”

Frontier will upgrade the aircraft used for Memphis-Denver in September, going from an Airbus A319 to an Airbus A320 that seats 180 passengers, airport officials said.

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